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I recently received an old vhs video that a friend thought I would find interesting. I think it was from a programme called "The House" and featured The Nutcracker Ballet during rehearsal and performance. I think the date was around 1999 and Anthony Dowell was auditioning the children at White Lodge. The interesting thing was the part of Clara was played by a child at the start of the show. I really enjoyed seeing the part played by a child and wondered when, and why the decision was made to change it to an adult role?. I know a lot of International companies use a child Clara/Masha and was just interested to know the reason it changed. Can anyone help?

Hello Plie22. Bristol Russian do adult beginners and they also do adult improver classes. It is an excellent school with classes based at the Tobacco Factory Theatre and John Lloyd sports centre. They have a good website and are also on facebook. 344 dance centre also offer adult dance classes, they are based in Fishponds..They also have a website and a facebook page. I hope this helps.

My little dd does ISTD ballet, she also did tap alongside the others in her class. Like your dd she didn't enjoy it so we decided to stop as I couldn't see the point of continuing something she didn't enjoy. She loves her ballet and street dance classes so we concentrate on them. If she changes her mind in the future we will reconsider, she is only 7 so there is plenty of time for mind changes in the future!

Huge congratulations, so happy for you both. My dd is still very young, but I so enjoy sharing your stories. I am up with you on the "ups" and down with you on the "downs", and realize what a roller coaster ride this is for you all. My dd may never get to where you children are now but it will never stop me enjoying your talented daughters journeys.

Thank you for all your replies, I had great fun reading them.
As an aside, I spoke to my lovely Mother-in-law who was sitting next to very smug Hubby at the show, who told me he didn't have a clue which one was little dd. A lady sitting a few seats away who had helped backstage pointed her out to bewildered hubby!
Just wait until he gets back from Rugby , Sunday Dinner,Hah! I'm sure I saw a frozen fishcake and some peas stuck to the bottom of the freezer.

I was unable to watch my 7year old daughters Winter Dance Show due to work commitment which I was unable to change. She was very understanding and had lots of family supporting her including Daddy.
I ordered the Dvd and looked forward to watching it with her. When it arrived I could'nt help having a sneaky look while she was at school, and recognising the costume for her part I eagerly sat to watch.
On danced all these little dancers and I DID'NT KNOW WHICH ONE WAS HER, THEY ALL LOOKED THE SAME.!! I squinted at the screen, moved closer an still could'nt tell.
When Hubby came home I asked him, he stared at me in disbelief put on the dvd and pointed her out. Of course once pointed out I could easily tell it was her [ well sort of ] and was able to watch it with her later and pretend I knew all along. Am I a bad ballet Mummy?

Well, I've done it. I've contacted my dds ballet school and enrolled in adult ballet classes. I've never had a ballet lesson in my life! Now to pluck up the courage to actually walk into the class. Watch this space!!

Hello Sascis. My little dd has just turned 7 and started ballet at 3 and modern/street dance at 4. When she started school she had a bit of a "wobble" . Following tears at ballet every week ,due to tiredness after a full day at school , I decided to postpone lessons for a while. She wanted to return once she settled at school and she restarted in year one. She has just left year 2 and has fully regained her joy of ballet.
I think it is important while they are very young to just let them enjoy the whole experience and just "go with the flow." She is going to start taking exams when the new term begins in september ,,at her request, as her friends are taking them too.
While she is so young l just want her to enjoy the whole experience how ever long it may last!